A review of the impact of hearing interventions on social isolation and loneliness in older people with hearing loss

Abstract

Purpose: Hearing loss affects many older people and is associated with social isolation and loneliness. The impact of hearing interventions however has not been established. The objective of this review is to determine the impact of hearing interventions in older people with hearing loss on social isolation and loneliness.

Methods: A literature review using PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL databases was performed. Search terms included older people, elderly, aging, ageing, hearing aid, hearing rehabilitation, social isolation, loneliness and social interaction. English-language studies with participants aged over 60 years diagnosed with hearing loss comparing outcomes pre- and post-hearing interventions were included.

Results: A total of 176 articles were identified of which seven met the inclusion criteria. Five studies examined the impact of traditional hearing aids whilst two articles examined outcomes after cochlear implantation. Several outcome measures were used. Loneliness outcomes were reported in three studies and social isolation outcomes in four. All studies reported improved social isolation and loneliness scores following hearing intervention.

Conclusions: Small sample sizes, a lack of high-quality evidence, heterogenicity between studies and the presence of confounding factors limits interpretation of the literature. At present, there is inadequate evidence to support the use of hearing interventions in the treatment of social isolation and loneliness in older people. Given the ageing population, the significance of this health burden cannot be underestimated, emphasising the need for further research.

Keywords: Elderly; Hearing aid; Hearing loss; Hearing rehabilitation; Loneliness; Older people; Social isolation.